When NBA substitute commissioner Mark Tatum turned over the Knicks’ place to represent the eighth pick Thursday, rookie president Leon Rose remained stone-faced on Zoom.
Has Rose been raised from no. 6 to no. 8 to fall through a descending lottery path for the franchise that won the first drawing in 1985? No, but Rose also knew it was a chance to remind his staff that some great teams were built without top-three picks.
Indeed, playoff contenders vying for the title, Toronto, Miami, Los Angeles Clippers and Milwaukee do not have a top-eight pick among their respective starting five. The Raptors of Masai Ujiri won a title last year without a single lottery attempt and are trying to do it again.
Denver has just one – Jamal Murray was the No. 7 pick in the 2016 draft. By the way, “The-Trust-the-Process” Sixers are dying at the vine after all those snazzy top-three picks.
According to a source, the Knicks are sure that they will get a solid perspective with the pick no. 8 – even if they drop a shadow to collect another asset in a trade.
‘The Knicks are just as busy finding these undisclosed nuggets with their other two picks [Nos. 27 and 38], ” said one NBA source.
Rose, who was not made available for comment after the lottery, was transparent in his evaluation of the draft in late June. He linked two perspectives as’ standouts’ ‘and the rest a collection of players where beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Rose probably referred to electric point guard LaMelo Ball, no. 1 on Rose’s board, and Anthony Edwards.
A score of the point for the Knicks has been a priority, but not a mandate. Point guards Cole Anthony, Tyrese Haliburton, Killian Hayes, Kira Lewis and Tyrese Maxey could run at number 8. If frontman Obi Toppin falls, he could be a frontcourt outside shooter / score that the Knicks miss. Auburn small forward Isaac Okoro is expected to be on their radar as well.
“The Knicks need help in every position,” ESPN concept guru Fran Fraschilla told The Post. ‘All of them. In this concept, their goal is to find a winning NBA playoff starter. While they add free agents and more talent to the roster, this eighth pick should be a good building block for winning. ‘ ‘
A mockery of Bleacher Report has prompted the Knicks to take down Florida State’s 6-foot-6 sharpshooter from Devin Vassell, whose ‘3-and-D’ ‘stock has risen since April. They could probably still trade back to get Vassell.
This is the fourth time in the past six Lotteries that the Knicks have tumbled. Last year, the Knicks – along with the Cavaliers and Suns – had the best chances at the no. 1 pick and the fall to No. 3 was costly. The Knicks lost not only to Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, but to Memphis guard Ja Morant, the presumed rookie of the year. As much potential as RJ Barrett has shown, he is in danger of not making either of the two all-rookie teams, according to polls.
Eight picks also evokes two painful memories. Frank Ntilikina was chosen over Donovan Mitchell at no. 8 in 2017. In 2009, the Warriors murdered Donnie Walsh’s dream by selecting Stephen Curry at no. 7, causing the Knicks, who were picking next, to leave Jordan Hill.
The Knicks (21-45) need more outside shots and a stronger play / shot at point guard.
There will also be free agency, its current start of October 18 is expected to push back to November.
Another slight positive to choosing eighth instead of third in a potential two-star concept is that the salary cap room opens up. The third pick makes $ 6.9 million compared to the No. 8 pick’s $ 4.2 million. Each bit helps in times of a reduced COVID-19 cap. The Knicks’ pick at no. 8 will also benefit from the hiring of former Kentucky assistant Kenny Payne and Utah assistant Johnnie Bryant. Both specialize in player development.
With the Timberwolves projecting to take Edwards with the first pick because they put on D’Angelo Russell on the point guard, would move to no. 2 maybe Ball in the bag means. However, the developers of Ball mention more than just the outbursts of father LaVar – the player’s lacquer defense and awkward shooting mechanics.
“LaMelo is a very dangerous choice,” one NBA scout told The Post. “A very high reward for risk. Any baggage that comes with a decision like this does not come what the Knicks need. Honestly, Lonzo [Ball] was a terrible shooter. He managed to change his shot mechanics and is now a pretty good shooter. It’s very unusual, but he did it and possibly LaMelo could do that too. ”
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